Morgan County students soared through the skies this month with the Morgan County Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Squadron, giving students their first taste of aviation.
“Five of our cadets had their first flights,” said Briana Stoops, the Morgan County High School Teacher Sponsor for the group. “We are so proud of Cadet Airman Rebeca Warren, Cadet Airman Evan Howard, Cadet Airman Mitchell, Cadet Airman Erik Sanchez, and Cadet Senior Airman Bear Lockhart for taking this huge step in their CAP journey.”
Credit: Civil Air Patrol
Credit: Civil Air Patrol
According to Briana Stoops, the CAP program is filling the void created after MCHS’s long-time JROTC program was disbanded in 2021.
“We focus on aerospace education, physical training, safety, and character development. Some of our cadets have goals of joining the military, while others just have an interest in aviation, and we support them all. Five of our cadets had their first opportunity to learn how to fly a plane, part of the cadet aerospace education program. In addition, our cadets present colors at all home football games,” said Stoops.
The CAP program has given wings to a new era of military-style student development in Morgan County. And this November, the group has been officially chartered as the official Morgan County CAP Cadet Squadron, after serving the community for over a year under the Walton County chapter.
The squadron is commanded by 2nd Lt Matt Stoops, an Air Force Veteran, SSgt Brian Mitchell, an Army Veteran, and Briana Stoops an AG Teacher at MCHS and wife of Matt Stoops.
“I want to create a place where young aviation enthusiasts can learn in a fun yet structured environment. I’m able to use my military background to structure the lessons and apply it to CAP curriculum in creative ways for kids to learn,” said Matt Stoops.
Credit: Civil Air Patrol
Credit: Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is an organization for individuals 12 and up who are interested in aviation and/or the military.
“We currently have 15 cadets, 10 from MCHS, three from Morgan County Middle School, one recent MCHS graduate, one homeschooled student, and four senior members,” said Stoops. Morgan County CAP meets on Wednesdays, from 3:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. at Morgan County High School.
As the program persists, leaders hope to give cadets more flight opportunities as well as imparting numerous life skills and fun social activities.
Morgan County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Virgil Cole said he is thrilled with the program and the opportunities it provides to Morgan County students.
“While we hope that we can reconstitute our JROTC program in the future, the Civil Air Patrol has given our students a somewhat similar group that focuses on leadership, self-confidence and discipline,” said Cole. “We’re glad we can provide this unique opportunity around aviation and we’re proud of the work of this program’s students and sponsors.”
According to the Civil Air Patrol, since the organization’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, “this vigilant organization of citizen airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.
Credit: Civil Air Patrol
Credit: Civil Air Patrol
As a Total Force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its more than 64,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 82-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.”
Credit: Morgan County Citizen
Credit: Morgan County Citizen
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